Stainless steel angle

[Richard S]

Boy am I now glad we have a metal working board!!!

I need to build a shower seat to fit betwwen two walls and thought the best option would be a slatted iroko seat supported at each end on some stainless angle, I need 2 pieces of 3mm, 250 x 40 x 40, I have been quoted £50 inc polishing but this seems expensive to me.

Am I being unrealistic? I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to metal, can stainless be drilled with normal hss drill bits or will i need something special.

Any tips on a good place to shop for this?

Thanks in advance

Richard

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Stainless steel is difficult to drill without it work hardening and blunting / breaking your drill - in order to stop it work hardening you will need to drill slowly whilst applying considerable pressure and lubricant to prevent overheating. New good quality HSS drill bits and a drill press are your best bet.

Have you considered using aluminium angles? a lot easier to machine.

http://www.m-machine-metals.co.uk/mm/we ... angle.html

Regards Mick

 

[AndyT]

Could you not support it on a piece of iroko at each end?

 

[Hitch]

Its the polishing that will be the expensive bit. The outside of the angle is fairly easy to polish (dull polish/grain) and the inside a bit harder.

Drilling it shouldn't be problem as long as you have some good quality drill bits...

PM heading your way....

 

[CHJ]

If you are set on SS try Metals4U, like all mail order postage might be a killer, have used them in the past to good effect but that was for big enough order to be free delivery.

 

[marcros]

and for polishing, have a look at my favourite polishing bits supplier www.thepolishingshop.co.uk

once you start drilling the stuff, dont stop!

 

[Graham Orm]

If you are set on SS try Metals4U, like all mail order postage might be a killer, have used them in the past to good effect but that was for big enough order to be free delivery.

That's a great site thanks for the link. :wink:

 

[Richard S]

Thank you for all the replies, there's a bit to get my teeth into here, I'll let you know how it works out
Cheers
Richard

 

[Oryxdesign]

Use a cobalt drill on SS

 

[Lons]

Take note of Marcus advice and don't stop drilling!

I fitted some s/h 3mm plate to the top of my metalwork bench and stopped halfway through a hole. Result instant snapped drill bit on start up Can be drilled but be prepared to blunt a few bits.

Great polishing site btw Marcus, thanks for posting that.

Bob

 

[Eric The Viking]

Am I right in thinking Trefolex (otherwise my universal drilling 'solution') stains 'stainless' steel? I've a vague memory that it stains something, but can't remember what.

E.